Q: Should I choose the PunchLight GPI (GPI ThruBox) or the PunchLight MIDI (MIDI SwitcherBox)?

A:If you use Pro Tools and have the Sync HD (I/O) interface, the GPI is the better option:

Because the PunchLight MIDI is being configured as a MIDI controller in Pro Tools, it has to have several assigned tracks. It can cause some problems when used together with another MIDI controller. Command 8 users cannot use the PunchLight MIDI or MIDI SwitcherBox at all, because the Command 8 controller cannot be combined with any other MIDI controller.

You can be sure that any future Pro Tools version will work with the PunchLight GPI (GPI ThruBox) as long as the Sync I/O or its successor has a GPI port and will still be supported by Digidesign. Support for the MIDI version will be determined by the particular MIDI controllers Pro Tools support in the future.

A:Because the TimeCode Display can also visualize the timing information from an application, in addition to the standard Midi Time Code. While e.g. Pro Tools and Logic Pro require to receive periodical data from any attached external device, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer and Samplitude on the other hand does not need any midi response. So whether it is needed to connect the midi output from the TC Display or not is determined by the application in use.

Q: Is it possible to use MTC (Midi Time Code) for example from SYNC I/O instead?

A:Yes, you only need one midi cable, from the MTC source to the TC Display Midi In.

Q: The last segment of my SMPTE Time Code Display is always blinking.
It is connected to MTC port on the SYNC I/O.

A:MTC is normally output whenever LTC is output.
Whenever LTC output stops, the SYNC I/O will continue to output MTC in bursts of one frame every 200 milliseconds. This allows any connected IDI-reading device to be continuously updated as to the position of VITC or Bi-Phase (either of which might be operating at slow or still speeds). Thus, you can still use a connected MIDI device for Auto-Spotting from VITC or Bi-Phase. Optionally, this constant output can be set to mute when time code (LTC) is idle.

To mute idle-time MTC output:
From the front panel:
1 Press the Set, Up and Down switches to display Idle MTC (IdLE 7C).
2 Press Set to display the current state (On or Off).
3 Press Up or Down to toggle the Idle MTC setting.
4 Press Set.

Q: My TC Display is connected to a Digidesign SYNC I/O and it only works if Pro Tools is in Recording or Playback. I cannot see time code information if I just click and move the cursor to another position or during Scrubbing/Jog operations.

A:The SYNC I/O MTC output sends just time code information if Pro Tools is in Recording or Playback. There is no time code information during Srubbing/Jog operations.